Carousel Book

Background
This concertina book structure was designed by Hedi Kyle (German born, taught at University of the Arts, Philadelphia) It can be altered in many ways, with more sections, more panels, alternate materials like vellum, mylar and other translucent papers, and shaped panels. Try alternating cutouts and pieces glued on for more complexity. Julie Chen (Mills College, Berkeley, CA) is an artist who has worked extensively with this structure. See some of her examples in the slideshow below.

Materials
  • 3 concertina panels: 7x20, 7x25, and 7x27.5 in. 
  • 2 cover boards: 3 1/16x7 1/16 in.
  • Thread and 3m 315 double-sided tape 1/4" wide.

Examples in ASU Rare Books & Collections
Artist Examples
Guidelines
  • Fold concertina panels into 10 sections for 5 open windows. Fold smallest panel into ten 2" sections, middle panel into 2.5" sections, and longest panel into 2.75" sections.
  • Figure out your design. Perhaps you're using an old print or photos and cutting out parts of it, perhaps you are drawing from scratch. As you'll need to sew into the mountain folds, be sure to leave enough material for the sewing. Many people do this by leaving a frame around each two panels, creating a window.
  • Cut, glue and complete the artwork for each of the three layers.
  • Fold a 7x3 in. piece of paper in half long-ways to create a jig for piercing the stations for sewing. One hole in the middle, and one at each end about half inch from the top and bottom. Mark which end is the top for consistency.
  • Poke the holes in each layer, being careful to make sure the jig is oriented correctly. Sew together all of the layers using a pamphlet stitch.
  • Place a strip of 1/4" double-sided tape on the bottom layer ends, and carefully line up the second layer at its edge. Then place another strip on the second layer edge, and line the front layer up at the edge on both ends of the book.
  • Cover your boards, and carefully glue your book block to each end. Place in press for a bit, or under weights at home.